Autism: Spreading the word in Rockaway Borough

At the Rockaway Borough Council meeting on Thursday, March 27, Mayor Russell Greuter proclaimed April as Autism Awareness Month. Antoinette Dominicci-Fifoot, her husband, Steven, and their 14-year-old son, Peter, who was diagnosed at a very early age with autism, were presented with the proclamation.

"I am thankful, humbled, and honored that Mayor Greuter and the Borough of Rockaway found the time to read my letter, creating the Proclamation for April to be Autism Awareness Month, and to formally reach out to me to attend and accept the proclamation at the meeting," Dominicci-Fifoot said.

The newest information released shows that autism cases are on the rise, Dominicci-Fifoot noted. One in 45 patients in New Jersey has been diagnosed with the disorder and she feels that not enough information is being released on ways to help, places to go, or things to do for those in need.

Dominicci-Fifoot was notified in August 2002 that her son was autistic. She said that it was life changing for her and her family. Having two other children in the house, a son, Tony, and a daughter, Jillian, also made it a challenge as family routines had to change to help Peter stay focused. The family has also faced financial challenges as therapy sessions for Peter are very expensive.

Dominicci-Fifoot wants people to be more aware of autism in various ways, stating that her son’s accomplishments have surpassed all of his physician’s expectations, and that it has been a team effort. She contributes his success to family, doctors, her spiritual advisor and educators, saying, that the educators were her teachers as well as his.

"They taught me the best ways to work with my son," Dominicci-Fifoot said.

"I am very proud of my son," she continued. "As I mentioned, I do not see him as autistic, but rather all his other attributes. At the end of our day, each day, when he goes to sleep, my work as his mother, advocate, and researcher go full force. I reflect on his day, in and out of our home."

In the near future, Dominicci-Fifoot plans to create a networking system for those dealing with the issues surrounding autism through such channels as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This is also that time of year when several Morris County schools host their Student Exchange Programs. For several years, Greuter and his family have been involved with the program.

"It’s wonderful and a lot of fun for our family, and we will continue to be a host family," Greuter said.